Wat Tyler

Wat, the Tyler, or Wat (Walter) Tyler (?-1381), a leader of the peasants' revolt in England in 1381. The underlying cause of the revolt was the peasants' resentment of the high taxes and limited freedoms of the feudal system. After a particularly unpopular poll tax was levied, a rebellion broke out in Essex. It soon spread to Kent, where Tyler, who probably had been a soldier, and John Ball, a priest, became its leaders. There were simultaneous uprisings in other parts of southeastern England.

The rebel mobs marched on London, pillaging and burning along the way. In London, Tyler led a group of rebels that murdered the king's treasurer and the archbishop of Canterbury. During negotiations between the rebel leaders and King Richard II, the mayor of London fatally stabbed Tyler. This act caused more mob violence.

Richard again met with rebel leaders and promised to grant many of their demands. The king then ordered the rebels to disperse. Later, Richard repudiated his promises and many of the rebels were hanged.

Cook, James (1728 - 1779), a British navigator. Captain Cook accurately charted vast regions of the South Pacific; provided a basis for England's claim to Australia and New Zealand; and developed a diet that prevented scurvy among seamen.